RUFUS WAINWRIGHT

Some quality time in Hollywood or, more likely, the realization that the million or so dollars spent on his lavish debut isn't coming back any time soon, appears to have mellowed Rufus Wainwright. Poses is an entirely more understated record for the Montreal pop prince. Of course, understated for Wainwright still means orchestras, epic arrangements and four different producers, but indulgence is handled differently here. Shadows, with its hiphop shuffle, jazz flute and swooning strings, is so difficult and bizarre it has to be a hit. And for all the sonic sideshows going on in the background, each of these songs seems more grounded than anything he's done before. Poses is not as immediately overwhelming and affecting as Wainwright's debut, but give it time. Greatness, while not quite here, still looms.